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DoD Signs Joint Advanced Strike Technology Agreement

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 1996  The United States and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding for Britains participation in the Joint Advanced Strike Technology program.

Paul Kaminski, defense undersecretary for acquisition and technology, signed the agreement with Malcolm McIntosh, Great Britains chief of defense procurement.

Under the agreement, the United Kingdom will become a collaborative partner for the concept demonstration phase of the program. Britain will contribute $200 million to the $20 billion project cost.

Officials said the programs proposed short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft offers a potential supersonic carrier-borne aircraft to replace Britains Sea Harrier. The U.S. Marine Corps also uses a version of the Harrier.

Britain brings 35 years of experience in the vertical landing aircraft field to the program. Subsequent engineering, manufacturing development and production agreements are pending.